Official: Essien signs new deal

[Randall 315]

Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien has signed an extension to his contract with the West London side, keeping him at Stamford Bridge until 2015.

The influential midfielder has been out of the Chelsea side since December with a knee ligament injury but still featured in the Blues’ title triumph.

Essien enjoyed one of his best performances for the club last season at home against Wolves where only the crossbar denied him a hat-trick to cap a dream performance.

And the Ghana star is delighted that the club have demonstrated their desire to keep him at Stamford Bridge for another five seasons.

“I am looking forward to coming back and enjoying my football and winning more trophies with the club,” he said.

The midfielder has scored 22 times in his 185 appearances for the team and has established himself as a fans’ favourite in his five-year spell at Stamford Bridge

Essien will not feature for his country at this summer’s World Cup, and is instead focusing on being fully fit for the start of the club season in August.

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[Vincent 402]

Great news, great player! Hopefully he'll be back soon.

[LDN Blue 7,903]

Just saw this on Blues news

http://www.chelseafc...2064931,00.html

No doubt he would sign, great work Chelsea, keeps Real away.

[Milan 17,835]

Very nice to hear this news, hopefully he will avoid all those injuries. When he comes back, hopefully straight at the start of the next campaign, he will be something like a big money signing.

[Randall 315]

Thank God that's at least one more player we won't have to deal with the transfer bullshit circus with. Although no doubt goal.com or tribalfootball.com will try.

[We Hate Scouse 10,261]

Brilliant news!

[Vincent 402]

Much people on the Dutch soccer forums saying it is a surprise that he signed a new contract. But is it really a surprise? Wasn't it just like he is gonna sign the only question was: when?

Edited June 4, 2010 by Vincent

[LDN Blue 7,903]

He added: "I am looking forward to coming back and enjoying my football and winning more trophies with the club. That is why I am here. I think it is one of the most important contracts in my career." Chelsea won both the Premier League and FA Cup this season and will start next term in the UEFA Champions League group stage.

[BlueLion. 21,491]

Awesome news, delighted!

[Manuf 1,448]

Can't wait to see him play again!

[Kez 2,727]

Fantastic news, miss this guy alot. Can't wait to see him back for hopefully a full season.

[Alee. 182]

Brilliant news for the club, Will be amazing if we can have him available throughout the season this time.

[Laylabelle 9,305]

good times.Hopfully he can go injuiry free next season.Makes a difference when he plays

[*History* 8]

This is big news...excellent stuff!

When he returns next season, it will be like a brand new signing (I know that's said a lot, but he is a class act).

[EskWeston 696]

Excellent and surprising news! Fantastic to tie Essien down to a good contract and hopefully he can keep the injuries away. Didn't expect for him to be getting a new deal at all.....

[oxfordblues 299]

top player.lets hope he actually gets to play,if you get what im saying.

[Term-X 7,891]

[Aesthetic Relic 301]

Absolutely delighted when I heard this news the other day.

Having him back will be like signing a £30m+ player. He's the complete package and have everything the modern day footballer needs to be considered one of the best.

This could be the best signing we'll make this summer.